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Summer Fruit: It’s Magic!

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN: A RECIPE FOR SUMMER FUN

Have you ever wished for a magic wand you could wave over your kids to get them to actually like eating healthy foods? Magic Fruit Wands just might do the trick!

There’s nothing like time in the kitchen to get kids’ mouths watering–especially when they’re helping to put together something as easy, fun and fresh as these magic wands made out of fruit. The best part is that after you’ve cut up the larger fruits, your kids can make these special treats almost entirely on their own.

The recipe is adapted from weelicious.com, where chef Catherine McCord reigns supreme. It’s a marvelous site, filled with healthy, kid-friendly recipes of all kinds. I’ve signed up to get posts in my inbox on a regular basis. I think you’ll like it too!

HEALTHY FOOD IN LIVING COLOR: MOUTH-WATERING WATERMELON

Watermelon’s distinctive striped outer shell and the rich color of its flesh make it a fun food for coloring. But before you get the red crayon out, take your kids to this UCLA Science and Food website post on watermelon to show them the fruit comes in other colors, too. Who knew?!

According to the article, a watermelon’s flavor has a lot to do with its color. A yellow Early Moonbeam, a pale Cream of Saskatchewan and a deep red Crimson Sweet have noticeably different flavors, for example.

WATERMELON IN ART & ADVERTISING: 4 PAINTINGS

How about that ginormous watermelon?! The small print at the bottom of this 1909 postcard reads, “This Is How Watermelon Grows in California.” And someone has handwritten on the image of the giant fruit, “Doesn’t this look good to you. Wonderful!”

I’m not sure if that painting got anyone to move to California, but I’m guessing a few. Some people will believe anything!

Below you’ll find three still life paintings that depict watermelons in very different styles. Two are by well known artists and the third is a tabletop painted by an unknown Mexican folk artist. Ask your kids to observe the paintings closely. Which one do they like best? Why? What other fruits and vegetables can they find in the paintings? Have they tried them all?

KIDS & GARDENS: GROWING WATERMELON IN A CONTAINER

What’s better than bringing home a watermelon from your local grocery store? Picking one out at the Farmers’ Market or picking one off the vine at a U-Pick farm. What’s even better than that? Picking one from your own garden!

Watermelons need lots of room, as they grow on a vining plant. In a small space, you can grow them upright in a pot on a trellis. As the fruit grows, you’ll need to use netting, stretchable cloth or a bag to create a hammock to support it.

10 FUN FACTS ABOUT WATERMELON

What’s more refreshing on a hot summer day than a slice of juicy watermelon? Yum!

Here’s a list of fun facts about watermelon to share with your kids:

1. Watermelon is well named–it’s 92% water!

2. This watery fruit is thought to have originated in Africa’s Kalahari Desert. (The desert would be a good place to stumble across a watermelon, no?)